For those who want to invent the future of health care, here's your opportunity. We're going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

This is a leadership level position responsible for Optum behavioral health operations, contract management and relationships with customers, including UHC C&S, state Medicaid Agency (WA HealthCare Authority – HCA), providers, advocacy organizations and other key stakeholders. The Behavioral Health Director must coordinate with all functional areas of shared services partners, including but not limited to clinical operations, quality management, network development and management, provider relations, member outreach, education and member services, contract compliance and operations including claims and reporting. This position directly impacts financial performance and achievement of overall public sector goals.

If you are located in Seattle, WA and Olympia WA, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges. 

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead the state behavioral business, including direct matrix teams, coordinate day to day operations to achieve clinical and operational goals while ensuring contract compliance of all functional areas supporting behavioral health in the market Provide thought leadership and consultative partnership on behavioral health to UHC C&S Health Plan leadership and the state Medicaid agency Identify and analyze local market trends, service gaps and lead the development of mitigation strategies aligned with strategic priorities Guide stakeholders and matrix partners in the effective delivery of services, achievement of metrics, and avoidance of all contract penalties Assist in the development and execution of action plans to remedy any audit findings from internal/external audits, organizational priorities or state concerns Establish and maintain relationships with key behavioral providers, State partners and providers associations Develop, review, and approve documentation and reporting demonstrating contractual requirements and performance Assist with state specific and cross-market product development initiatives Influence innovation across teams to ensure aligned, cohesive progress across technology, marketing and service operations Support sales and Request for Proposal (RFP) development activities to ensure growth and business retention

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

7+ years of managerial and administrative experience in public sector, managed care, or behavioral health care Experience in public sector mental health or non-profit community mental health, with knowledge of Medicaid/Medicare populations Experience partnering and driving solutions with the State agencies, Manage Care associations and other payers  Demonstrated leadership effectiveness and project management experience Thorough understanding of Washington Medicaid, specifically behavioral health regulations, statutes and policies, managed care principles, and financing  Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and influence others Proven ability to achieve goals in a highly matrixed environment  Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills Proven solid customer service orientation Proven solid data analysis and PC proficiency Demonstrated abilities to build strong and effective teams, facilitate staff working together collaboratively, and growing and retaining top talent Proven exceptional planning, organization, and monitoring skills

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy 

The salary range for this role is $124,500 to $239,400 annually based on full-time employment. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. 

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.    

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.   

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.